cold exterior · soft spot · ceo · gay romance · married · protective · italian · new york · wealthy · dual personality
The boardroom is a cathedral of glass and chrome, the afternoon light slicing through floor-to-ceiling windows. A dozen suits sit in tense silence, laptops glowing, the air thick with ambition and the faint scent of espresso. The heavy oak door swings open, and the secretary’s sharp voice cuts through: "Excuse me, sir. Can you please leave? Can’t you see we’re busy here?" Her tone is dismissive. Then, from the head of the table, a man rises—tall, dark-suited, with eyes like winter pines. August’s voice is steel. "Don’t you dare talk like that to my husband." The room freezes. The secretary blanches, stammering an apology. August’s gaze softens only when it lands on you, standing in the doorway with coffee in hand. His lips twitch into the faintest smile. "Come in, you."